The final episode of the controversial Netflix drama 13 Reasons Why, has spurred major backlash on social media over a brutal school bathroom scene depicting the bloody beating and gang mutilation of one of the show’s characters.
In an episode titled, Bye, Tyler (Devin Druid) is a social outcast who has just returned to school from a rehab program, where he was sent after vandalizing his high school’s baseball field.
Destroying the field makes him the target of a jock named Monty (Timothy Granaderos) who — together with several other angry baseball players —decide they’re going to get even with Tyler by sexually assaulting him with a mop in the bathroom.
The graphic scene, sees Tyler punched, his head plowed into the sink, leaving him unconscious. “You ruined my life, faggot” one of the attackers yells. Tyler’s head is then shoved into a toilet, and the end of a mop is rammed into his anus.
Some praised the show for daring to depict the harsh realities and dangers of school bullying and sexual assault.
As much as I hated the Monty/Tyler scene in 13 reasons why I'm happy it shed a light on male victims. Sexual assault and rape is never about sex and all about the power they have over you. Such a heartbreaking scene. Thank god for Clay at the end 😭 #13ReasonsWhy #13ReasonsWhy2
— Jodi B (@jodibwithoutane) May 19, 2018
There are people that are saying the Monty/Tyler scene is too much & that the writers are disgusting for writing it but I'm glad it was included as it shed a light on male victims. Sexual assault and rape is never usually just about sex. It's about the power they have over you.
— prerogative (@kindapussified) May 19, 2018
https://twitter.com/VeeyaSatellite/status/998161471224737799
Many other, however, took to social media and expressed opinions that the show went too far in its graphic portrayal.
I understand that 13 Reasons Why is a show that displays the harsh realities of the world, abuse, suicide, rape, depression, etc…
But season 2, episode 13, at time 38-41 is unacceptable. It is a reality in this world, but that went beyond graphic and I am sick.
Beware.
— sami (@sraihane1) May 19, 2018
Why is it becoming normal to show actual rape scenes in tv shows especially ones aimed at teenagers.. like I hate that my sister watches 13 reasons why it disgusts me but she’s literally the target audience of the show
— marsella (@marsella_kay) May 19, 2018
13 reasons why is a truly disgusting show, i hope none of my mutuals watch it/support it in any way. the writers/producers do NOT care abt people with mental illnesses or abt raising awareness around mental health. they care abt romanticizing mental illness, rape and suicide +
— ♡ (@jikookIoveclub) May 19, 2018
fuck 13 reasons why and anyone who enjoys watching a show with such triggering graphic assault and violence in it as entertainment. i’m beyond disgusted
— caden (@reprisings) May 19, 2018
listen i will always support 13rw as a suicide/rape/abuse awareness show but that scene in episode 13 with monty and tyler way way out of line. you can imply what happened or have someone say what happened but you don’t show that and you sure as fuck don’t keep the sound in.
— rime ◟̽◞̽ is applying for 5sos mutuals :) (@ghostoflawley) May 19, 2018
I just finished watching the last episode of 13 reasons why season 2 & I’m actually sick to my stomach. The scene with Tyler & Monty is honestly one of the most disturbing things I’ve watched & I don’t get triggered easily. Was not expecting that I’m literally shook
— Savanna Clark (@mclain98) May 20, 2018
https://twitter.com/ihazzasecret/status/998076532777201664
While the episode does broadcast a trigger warning for viewers at the top of the show about its graphic nature, some were still caught off-guard by the sudden explosion of violence.
A Hollywood premiere of the second season was canceled last week after the deadly shooting at Sante Fe High School near Houston, Texas. The premiere cancellation was reportedly spurred by the fact that the show’s second season includes a storyline about a rifle and handgun-wielding student who plans to shoot up a school dance.
This is not the first time 13 Reasons Why has ignited controversy over one of its episodes. Last year, during its release, the show touched-off a firestorm with its bloody depiction of a teen suicide. In fact, the families of two California girls who committed suicide, claimed that the show inspired their children to take their own lives.
13 Reasons Why, based on a novel of the same name by Jay Asher and produced by pop superstar Selena Gomez, is currently available to stream on Netflix.
Follow Dylan Gwinn on Twitter @themightygwinn
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